CIEE Introduces Trailblazing Scholarship for Global Muslim Students to Foster Unity
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) recently unveiled the inaugural recipients of the Rick A. Ruth BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Scholarship. This significant initiative aims to foster peace and understanding between the United States and various global Muslim communities. The selected students will embark on a summer-long journey in the U.S., working and living in some of the country's most iconic locales, allowing them to engage in cultural exchange directly.
CIEE has a rich history of promoting cultural interaction through educational programs worldwide, and this scholarship is a tribute to the legacy of Rick A. Ruth, a former senior advisor at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Ruth dedicated over four decades to enhancing public diplomacy and promoting meaningful exchanges, with a specific focus on bridging gaps between the U.S. and Muslim societies.
The selection of the inaugural cohort consisted of ten exemplary university students from Thailand and Türkiye. These individuals were chosen based on their commitment to civic engagement and their enthusiasm for nurturing goodwill between their cultures and that of the U.S. Here are the students and their respective summer placements:
1. Parichaya Buranasomphop, Thailand - Xanterra Parks Resorts, Glacier Park Lodges, Montana
2. Natnicha Muhummad, Thailand - Cedar Point, Ohio
3. Demirhan Demir, Türkiye - Xanterra Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
4. Berfin Fidan Gok, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
5. Defne Bilge Hangisi, Türkiye - Clam Bar, Maine
6. Hatice Hatipoglu, Türkiye - Little Truckee Ice Creamery, California
7. Ece Nur Lelik, Türkiye - Holland America Denali Lodge, Alaska
8. Zeynep Zisan Metin, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
9. Omer Faruk Ruzgar, Türkiye - AH Duryea's Orient Point, New York
10. Eylul Sevval Yildiz, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
During their time in the U.S., these students will have the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, gain diverse perspectives, and return home with enriched knowledge about American society. As they immerse themselves in both work and community life, they will play a vital role in dispelling cultural misconceptions and fostering mutual respect.
Rick A. Ruth's vision for cultural diplomacy aligns perfectly with the intent of this scholarship. According to James P. Pellow, Ed.D., the President and CEO of CIEE, the relationships these students cultivate will significantly contribute to mutual respect and understanding across cultural boundaries.
The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program is notable for its impact, with roughly 100,000 international students participating annually from over 140 countries. These students not only contribute economically but also act as cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences with their communities upon returning home.
For the current scholarship cycle, CIEE focused on targeting Việt Nam and Thailand, nations home to substantial Muslim populations. Annually rotating eligible countries for the Ruth Scholarship represents an effort to expand these prospects further, enhancing cultural exchange opportunities for students from diverse Muslim communities throughout the globe.
CIEE's influence in fostering international understanding is succinctly captured in their mission: to build bridges among different cultures and people through education and exchange, positively impacting both individuals and international relations alike. Discover more about CIEE’s programs and initiatives at ciee.org.
CIEE has a rich history of promoting cultural interaction through educational programs worldwide, and this scholarship is a tribute to the legacy of Rick A. Ruth, a former senior advisor at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Ruth dedicated over four decades to enhancing public diplomacy and promoting meaningful exchanges, with a specific focus on bridging gaps between the U.S. and Muslim societies.
The selection of the inaugural cohort consisted of ten exemplary university students from Thailand and Türkiye. These individuals were chosen based on their commitment to civic engagement and their enthusiasm for nurturing goodwill between their cultures and that of the U.S. Here are the students and their respective summer placements:
1. Parichaya Buranasomphop, Thailand - Xanterra Parks Resorts, Glacier Park Lodges, Montana
2. Natnicha Muhummad, Thailand - Cedar Point, Ohio
3. Demirhan Demir, Türkiye - Xanterra Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
4. Berfin Fidan Gok, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
5. Defne Bilge Hangisi, Türkiye - Clam Bar, Maine
6. Hatice Hatipoglu, Türkiye - Little Truckee Ice Creamery, California
7. Ece Nur Lelik, Türkiye - Holland America Denali Lodge, Alaska
8. Zeynep Zisan Metin, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
9. Omer Faruk Ruzgar, Türkiye - AH Duryea's Orient Point, New York
10. Eylul Sevval Yildiz, Türkiye - Six Flags, Ohio
During their time in the U.S., these students will have the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, gain diverse perspectives, and return home with enriched knowledge about American society. As they immerse themselves in both work and community life, they will play a vital role in dispelling cultural misconceptions and fostering mutual respect.
Rick A. Ruth's vision for cultural diplomacy aligns perfectly with the intent of this scholarship. According to James P. Pellow, Ed.D., the President and CEO of CIEE, the relationships these students cultivate will significantly contribute to mutual respect and understanding across cultural boundaries.
The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program is notable for its impact, with roughly 100,000 international students participating annually from over 140 countries. These students not only contribute economically but also act as cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences with their communities upon returning home.
For the current scholarship cycle, CIEE focused on targeting Việt Nam and Thailand, nations home to substantial Muslim populations. Annually rotating eligible countries for the Ruth Scholarship represents an effort to expand these prospects further, enhancing cultural exchange opportunities for students from diverse Muslim communities throughout the globe.
CIEE's influence in fostering international understanding is succinctly captured in their mission: to build bridges among different cultures and people through education and exchange, positively impacting both individuals and international relations alike. Discover more about CIEE’s programs and initiatives at ciee.org.
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